I clean the area with alcohol or sand lightly with a small piece of sandpaper if there is any light rust. then use a toothpick to apply the paint, the brush will put too much. I would put a few very light applications. apply the paint lightly with a toothpick and let it dry, then repeat. you can do the same with the clear but with it I usually use the brush but scrape most of it off but leave enough where you can lightly cover the area.